Minister Woos Investors To Oil/Gas Free Zone

Investors in the Oil and Gas Industry have been urged to avail themselves of the investment opportunities that abound in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, with its attendant safety and security of investments and up grading of port facilities to international standards.

The Federal Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who made the call during the Nigerian Local Content Forum recently held at the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne port, said “this forum offers another opportunity for all serious and committed investors to explore the investment opportunities which abound in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, being developed majorly by the Nigerian Ports Authority in collaboration with INTEL Nigeria Limited.”

He said that the Federal Government on its part, has shown commitment toward encouraging investors and in collaboration with the private sector, has successfully created an enabling environment for investments to thrive.

According to him the liberal policy guideline provided by the Federal Ministry of Transport attracted over 140 companies operating at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone and has created over forty eight thousand direct and indirect job opportunities to the youths.

Other benefits, he said included direct foreign investment and the upgrading of port facilities to international standards.

The Minister said that the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in Rivers State is the largest most efficient free zone of its type in the world, that would substantially meet the required commercial and financial needs of investors.

He assured that the development of facilities in Onne Port Complex will continue to provide substantial employment and empowerment of Nigerians, stimulate the local economy, generate wealth, enhance capacity building and ensure the continuous transfer of technological capabilities.

Senator Umar, also enjoined investors to explore and invest in other specialised terminals handling oil and Gas related cargo located at Warri, Calabar and Onne which are managed by various concessionaires.

He assured that Government will continue to ensure that all oil and gas related cargoes are routed through these terminals.